CT Baker Group looks to the future

By Liz Wells in Industry News 24th July 2020

Demolition has started at the site of Budgens of Holt, which was destroyed by a devastating fire almost five weeks ago.

The remaining steel structure and each of the two gable ends are being removed in an operation that is expected to continue until mid-August.

Jane Gurney-Read, managing director of CT Baker Group, said: “My team and I are working together with all the relevant parties, including the District Council’s planning team, to get moving on plans to replace Budgens of Holt as quickly as we can.

“I am absolutely committed to rebuilding the store, and am now considering all the options open to us for a temporary solution in the meantime. These will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.”

The group moved quickly to reinstate services lost following the fire, including its post office and home delivery service.

Meanwhile, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service has concluded that the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

A Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman told North Norfolk News: “We have concluded our investigations into the fire at Budgens in Holt.

“We believe the cause to be an electrical fault and have passed our findings to the site owners and insurance companies.”